Henry Ford said you can have any color Model T as long
as it is black. More recently a survey by the University
of Florida claimed that a yellow background with black lettering
was the best color combination for a yard sign for attracting
attention. In the packaging industry red is the favored
attention getting color down the supermarket aisle. So there
you have it! The experts agree to disagree.
So what color is best for your lawn sign?
Answer: Take your pick as to what suits you best. In addition
to not picking your opponents colors, here are some other
helpful suggestions as to what to do.
Consider Color Value
Never use a low value color(light color) with a low value
color. For instance, pink lettering on a white background
will not show up on your yard sign. All pastels (i.e. pale
blue, yellow, pink, light green) will not contrast on white
backgrounds. Interestingly flourescents, though appearing
very bright, will not contrast on white. Choose a dark color
with these (i.e. black, navy blue, burgundy, forest green).
Never use a high value (dark color) with a high value color.
For example black lettering on a navy blue background will
not show up.
Lettering and background must always be of contrasting
value in order to be readable.
Consider Environment
Remember white is the principal base stock color and is
free. Red (or for that matter blue, green , orange, etc,)
lettering on a white background is a one color print. So
also is white lettering on a red background a one color
print. This latter is referred to as "reverse printing".
For you northerners avoid white signs in the winter. To
not have your sign "lost" against the white snow,
use reverse printing (i.e. bright colored background with
white letters). Similarly green backgrounds can get lost
in more lush territories and/or seasons, or yellow signs
against arid backgrounds. For a sign to be recognized it
has to be of a color that is "out of place" -
avoid khakis, gray and brown sign background colors.
Two Colors vs One Color
There has never been a one color design that can not be
improved by adding a second color. Remember white as the
base stock color is free. Two color printing to produce
a yellow/black sign or a red/white/blue sign or a green/flourescent
sign will always stand out with greater impact. For the
printer, two colors require two films, two screens, two
press setups, two runs and two cleanups. This costs money.
So for a two color yard sign always expect to pay more per
sign - but it may be worth it.
Hopefully these suggestions will aid in your color decisions
for your lawn signs and yard signs. If you have questions,
do not hesitate to consult with a Political
Sign Screen Printer.
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